GB chaos as Henman quits the Davis Cup

Tim Henman today stunned British tennis by announcing his immediate retirement from the Davis Cup.

The British No1, who has represented his country in the competition for 10 years, said he wanted to concentrate on his own game instead.

The news is a major blow to captain Jeremy Bates who must now attempt to steer his team back into the elite World Group without his best player and possibly also Greg Rusedski, whose future is also in doubt.

Henman is yet to win a Grand Slam despite an impressive career. And, after reaching the semifinals of the French and US Opens and just falling short at Wimbledon once again, he feels he must now be single-minded.

"At this stage in my career, the combination of the Davis Cup format and the rigours of the ATP tour have made it necessary for me to make this decision," he wrote on his website.

"I'm confident this offers me the best opportunity to fulfil some unachieved goals I have left in the game.

"I've really enjoyed working under Jeremy Bates and I know much of what he has put in place has been appreciated by all concerned."

Britain's next Davis Cup tie is against Israel in March.